Willis Creek - Grand Staircase National Monument

There is something about a slot canyon that reminds us of our insignificance upon the landscape.  Some hide from that feeling of in-consequence while others seek with wanderlust to find it.  Willis Creek is a great, nontechnical hike, where a back country rambler can easily satisfy the wild wanderlust.

Willis Creek is found within the Grand Staircase Escalante Nation Monument along the Skutumpah road. Take of Highway 12 in Cannonville Utah towards Kodachrome State Park. A few miles below Cannonville, before you cross the Paria River, turn off the oiled road at the Sign that marks Skutumpah road.

It is dirt road from here. In dry conditions you can most likely make it in a two-wheeled vehicle, however I recommend it be a high clearance vehicle and that you have some experience driving in off highway conditions. If there has been rain or if it is raining be advised this road can be treacherous. This is a county road but sometimes it doesn’t get maintained for quite some time, so the conditions can really vary. If it’s raining I really don’t advise you taking this ramble, especially since you are heading to a slot canyon which was created by runoff from storms.

Willis Creek collects all the water pretty much from Bryce Canyon Rainbow & Yovimpa Points to Natural Arch. Willis Creek really collects a lot of water and drains a lot of country. Knowing current weather conditions is a must. If there has been recent rains or there is rain in the forecast for the day recalculate your trip plans.

Willis Creek is a Family favorite for us. Its an easy hike and provides amazing views. You don’t need any ropes or hiking\ technical experience to enjoy these slot canyons. From the trailhead to the Paria is 2.35 miles one way with only about 250 feet of elevation drop.

In the summers the temperatures can reach into the high 80s and this hike can provide some shadowy canyons to hide within as well as running water to cool off in. There is water in the creek so wear appropriate shoes to hike in.

Willis Creek can also be a great Winter back country ramble with the added element of ice flows within the canyon walls.  To experience the freeze and thaw of the ages, grinding down the canyon walls is worth the freezing temperatures.

I would strongly suggest getting ice cleats or crampons if you plan to hike very far. It will greatly enhance your adventure and save your hind-end from repeated slips on the ice.

As with any good back country ramble a good map is essential. I recommend the National Geographic Grand Staircase map. It shows all the major trail-heads and main roads you will need for a good adventure in these parts.

Posy Lake

Posy Lake is hidden within the Grand Staircase National Monument amongst the rough mountain peaks of the Boulder Mountains. Posy Lake is a prime destination for any back country rambler looking for a place to fish, camp, explore, hike, take photographs, ATV, picnic or generally just soak up beautiful mountain country.

Posy Lake is a perfect destination for the casual day trip for those staying in the Boulder or Escalante region as well as overnight camping or extended back country ramblings. It has nice day use facilities including picnic tables and a developed restroom as well as nice camping facilities.

Posy Lakes is Open May through October. Posy Lake has great fishing with a boat ramp and two docks however there is no motorized boating on the small mountain lake. Posy Lake also has access to the trailhead to the Great Western Trail. At 8,600 foot elevation if you’re staying the night remember the temperature drops in these tall mountains. Also scattered showers frequent the Boulder Mountains so make sure you’re equipped to handle a little rain.

I highly recommend the Hells Backbone loop however the road from the Escalante side is rough to say the least. Next time I will take Hells Backbone road just off the 12 on the Boulder side both coming and going. You will not be disappointed with the scenery. This is one back country ramble that I recommend if you are anywhere near the Grand Staircase national Monument.

Vicinity Destinations: Hells Backbone, Caanan Mountain, Bryce Canyon National Park, Kodachrome State Park,

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Canaan Mountain Country (Rough & Rugged)

The Canaan Peak sits smack dab in the middle of the Grand Staircase National Monument. From the vantage point of Canaan Peak you have one of the most spectacular views of the lower end of the Grand Staircase that this country has to offer. If you are anything like me, who has been in love with this country before it was put on the map and deemed a monument, the spectacle from Canaan Peak is a must see. The chance to see this rugged and wild country from 9,183 feet is incredible.

Like many of the other Back Country Ramblings the Canaan has a little history along the trail. One of the first stops along the way to Canaan Peak is the remnants of the old Silver Dollar Sawmill. The sawmill was run by Vern Rappley in the late 1930’s and into the 50’s. He was originally a trucker who ran through this country and thought that there was a market for lumber. During his hauls through this expansive country he took note that there was an abundance of Yellow Pine around Canaan Mountain. He set up shop along the trail that now leads to the Canaan Mountain Peak. Today there are few remnants of the sawmill and its operation. All that is left are a few wood chips and a beat up old truck.

Along with the sawmill operation a few other locals ran sheep in the summertime grazing the summer grass over the hills and canyons of the rugged Canaan Mountain country. Sam Graff, Sam Pollcok and WJ Henderson were some of the biggest outfits that ran through this country back in those days. I am not aware if any of the descendants of these ol’ boys still run sheep in this country anymore. However, like the sawmill, there are a few bits and pieces left letting the future generations know that the operation ever existed. The picture below is of an old hollowed out log that use to act as a water trough, catching the slow dips of water from the few seeps in these mountains.

On a clear day from the peak of Canaan Mountain you can see, Powell Point, the rim of Bryce Canyon, the red rocks of Kodachrome, Mollys Nipple, Grovner Arch, down through Cottonwood, the Wahweep, Navajo Mountain and the smoke from the Page Power Plant. If you are planning to make the venture to the top of the Canaan you had better plan to Hike, ride a horse or drive an ATV. The first part of the road, in good weather conditions, can be made in a four wheel drive vehicle. However the last few miles, once you really start climbing, would be really tough, if not impossible in a full sized vehicle.

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(below is a picture along the road to Cannan Peak through the trees )

(below is Canaan Peak) 

 (below is Navajo Mountain as seen from Canaan Peak)

(below is Powell as seen from the Silver Dollar Sawmill)

(below is a shot of Mollys Nipple and much of the lower end of the Grand Staircase National Monument)